NHF says: Crack down on aesthetic training companies is welcome

August 08, 2019

There is no doubt that demand from the public for aesthetic treatments is growing. As a result, salons are looking to upskill their staff which means that the number of companies offering training courses in aesthetic treatments is also growing.

But to protect the public, it’s more important than ever that the courses are reputable and don’t mislead salons and trainees as to exactly what they get for their money. They should know exactly what the course covers, the nature and duration of training and the qualification they get, particularly if the training provider claims that the qualification will meet the entry criteria for professional registration with the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) or other industry bodies.

The UK’s advertising regulatory authority, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), has recently investigated three complaints that were referred to them by the JCCP. The Advertising Standards Authority upheld the complaints in all three cases, saying that the providers had misrepresented or withheld full and correct information for potential students to be able to make an informed decision before signing the contract for their place on the advertised courses.

Caroline Larissey, NBF’s Director of Quality & Standards said, “Salons need to be confident that they are getting the right training and are not being misled. Last year, the NBF published a ‘first of its kind’ free guide to the qualifications and training needed for hair and beauty treatments from level 2 right up to aesthetics treatments at levels 6 and 7. We always recommend that qualifications are accredited by regulated awarding organisations such as VTCT, City & Guilds, CIBTAC and others.”

She added, “The NBF guide on qualifications and training has ‘assured advice’ status and is backed by Milton Keynes Council as the Primary Authority, which means that all local authorities recognise the NBF guidance. We’re delighted that Environmental Health Officers are already using it, and we know that beauty salons have welcomed it with open arms.”

The NHF and the NBF are independent not-for-profit organisations that offer a range of business support services to hair salons, barbershops and beauty salons. From legal, employment and financial guidance to expert advice for managing people and boosting business.